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Newman adds left-handed arm to 'pen

Newman adds lefty arm to 'pen

KANSAS CITY -- Royals newcomer Josh Newman took his meet-and-greet rounds in the clubhouse Sunday morning, and then made it clear he already likes Kansas City.

"It's sea level," Newman said with a smile.

When you've pitched for the Rockies in the high altitude of Coors Field, you come to appreciate sea level quickly. Newman, the lefty reliever who got a ticket to Kansas City when Horacio Ramirez was traded to the White Sox on Saturday night, opened the year with Colorado and made eight appearances before the Royals claimed him on waivers July 11. Newman made five appearances for Triple-A Omaha, and now finds himself back in the Major Leagues.

"I'm excited to get a fresh start," Newman said.

Newman allowed nine earned runs in 8 2/3 innings for the Rockies, but six of those runs came in his last outing at Philadelphia on May 26 -- when he worked two-thirds of an inning.

It has been a whirlwind time for Newman. His daughter, Ayda Grace, was born just 10 days ago. Newman gives the Kansas City bullpen a left-handed complement to Ron Mahay.

Newman, who posted a 3.77 ERA at Omaha, had a brief conversation with manager Trey Hillman after reporting to the ballpark.

"I'm ready whenever he needs me," Newman said. "Whether it's long relief or short relief, I'll be ready to take the ball."

Robert Falkoff is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.